Accidents & Emergencies - significant

Everybody's view of a what constitures an accident or emergency, is different. This page deals with those cases which would arew serious require a visit to A&E or a 999 call.

For accidents and emergencies which are of a minor nature see Accidents & Emergencies - minor.

Accidents & real EmergenciesTunbridge Wells Hospital at Pemburyis the nearest A&E to SAMC)It does exactly what it says on its sign: deals ONLYwith Accidents & Emergencies. If you go to A&E when you should have come here - they contact us to ask us why and we have to follow up with you!

PLEASE ONLY go to A&E for real Accidents and real Emergencies.

Attendance costs the NHS up to around £150 (even if you don't wait for assessment) - thousands if you stay overnight. You'd see a junior doctor without access to your medical records.

Heart attack never ignore:

Chest pain - like a heaviness, or band-like across the chest

Jaw pain

Tingling in your left arm or high in the back

DIAL 999 – delay can mean long term heart problems

Stroke: act F.A.S.T.If you see any 1 of these symptoms:

Has their FACE fallen on one side, can they smile?

Can they raise both ARMS and keep them there?

Is their SPEECH slurred?

TIME to call 999

MeningitisSeek medical attention immediately if you suspect meningitis. Early antibiotics increases the chance of full recovery.

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes covering the spinal cord. In certain circumstances this can be life-threatening, causing permanent disability; therefore the condition is treated as a medical emergency.